Censor

A intenção é louvável e bem intencionada, mas a execução é infeliz. Um percurso terrivelmente lento e pouco estimulante, que, além disso, cumpre um dos resultados lógicos possíveis no final, mas é o menos desejável e o menos satisfatório para o público. Um filme que quer analisar o tema da violência nos filmes e o seu efeito no público, de um cineasta ingénuo que nem consegue trabalhar com um simples esqueleto de thriller, quanto mais fazer um comentário complexo. É melhor ver O Som do Medo, mais maduro e criativamente notável. (18/11/2021)

Um grande tema, uma pobre elaboração. Com uma premissa que traz reminiscências de 8MM, o filme atraiu a comunidade de censores cinematográficos para um espectáculo decente, mas pouco a pouco tudo ficou atolado num esquema já muitas vezes visto e, principalmente, num tédio hipnótico (tendo o filme menos de uma hora e meia). A mensagem de toda a obra também é estranha. Censor convida os espetadores para uma homenagem a "video nasties", mas em vez de trabalhar duma forma hábil a controvérsia em torno deste fenómeno e, sobretudo, a questão de se a brutalidade nos filmes pode afetar os espetadores, vem com uma conclusão simples e conservadora que sim, que estes filmes são fruto de gente louca e extravagantes e que têm uma má influência na psique dos espetadores. Isto não é uma homenagem, em termos de mentalidade estamos apenas algures entre os puritanos britânicos dos anos oitenta do século passado. (27/11/2021)

I had heard praise for Censor from the festivals, but after watching the trailer I had a bit of a hunch that this would not be my cup of tea, and it wasn't. Fortunately Censor has some sense and is only 80 minutes long, so it doesn't manage to bore you to the point of being annoying, tiring, and disgusting. In terms of horror, there is not much to stand for, the atmosphere is almost absent, there is no gore to be seen, except for one or two scenes, the suspense is missing and it is not even downright fun. On the other hand, it has a few good things. The story about a woman who censors films is quite interesting and offers an attractive look behind the scenes, it seems like a thankless job, a few old references (Deranged and I Spit on your Grave), and the retro style with colors reminiscent of giallo is also quite interesting; I also liked the nostalgia for VHS and video nasties, which will be especially appreciated by the older audience. What bothered me is that that we watch the main character watching violence in movies, but unfortunately we have to figure everything out, I hate that and take it as a provocation. All in all, it's a pretty decent and noteworthy affair that brought a slight breath of fresh air to horror, but at the same time doesn't bring anything for the viewer to cheer about. Story 3/5, Action>No, Humour>No, Violence 2/5, Entertainment 3/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 3/5, Atmosphere 2/5, Suspense 2/5. 5.5/10. (19/06/2021)

I've never been a fan of censorship, whether it's the former socialist regime's restrictions or today's politically correct censorship, which I find even more troubling. However, paradoxically, there are only a few movies that I believe might actually benefit from being banned. Still, I keep this list to myself because I respect that these films have their audience, and it wouldn't be fair for any censor, including myself, to ruin their enjoyment. Despite my reservations about censorship, I have to admit that I found Censor enjoyable, at least in the first two-thirds. However, the final act dragged on, and even the uncut violent scenes couldn't salvage it. Honestly, I found myself indifferent to the fate of the characters in the last third, and the lack of a satisfying climax left me feeling bored, ultimately tarnishing my overall impression of the film. / Lesson learned: When feeling queasy, try to breathe through it. 3*- (08/10/2023)

Censor has to be credited with a number of good things: from the performances to a fairly constant disturbing atmosphere, but I don't think it makes the most of its 70s and 80s video nasties premise. It's basically just a slightly spiced up classic story about the main character's descent into madness, which I find corny. (27/06/2021)